Virtual pilots can now fly the P-36 Hawk within the skies of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator X following the release by UK based Vertigo Studios of their 3rd WWII fighter. The exceptionally detailed model faithfully replicates the fighter that was to precede many of the more famous aircraft of the war.Because of the pre- war exports, the P-36 not only flew with the US pursuit groups and British Commonwealth forces, and the French, it flew with swastikas with the Finnish air force. These paint schemes are included within the package. A paint kit is also available to download so we can expect many free repaints to become available.
Anyone who downloads the free Manual will immediately see that Project Manager Dean Greasley and his small dedicated team have been determined to take the level of detail with the model and its texturing to a new benchmark. Pilot, chocks and a canopy cover can be selected via a pop up menu. Not only has the virtual cockpit been covered in splendid detail, the usually unseen (and un-modelled) rear fuselage area is seen with pre selected view points. The access hatch can be opened and closed using a click point. Yet this extra detail only has very minimal impact on frame rates within the game even on low spec PCs.
“We have also used all the data available following months of research to create the flight dynamics to offer the correct performance and feel of the aircraft,” said Dean Greasley. “We are delighted with the very positive feedback from simmers on the main flight sim forums.”
The Vertigo Studios is available only for FSX including SP1, SP2 and Acceleration (no planned version for FS9).